Family Support Generalist

Summary

Under the direction of the Family & Community Partnership Manager, the Family Support Generalist?s responsibilities include recruiting families for the Head Start program; evaluating, addressing, and following through on the social service needs of each child and family; serving as a link between families and the Head Start program; establishing and maintaining parent committees and carrying out the policies and procedures of the Family Services content area. Using culturally and linguistically sensitive, strengths-based, and family- centered approaches, the Family Support Generalist will ensure that all family service / family development activities are consistent with Head Start Program Performance Standards. The Family Support Generalist will work collaboratively as part of the Family Services team to support the family service and administrative needs of the program.

Duties

• RECRUITMENT AND INTAKE:

Assists with the implementation of the program?s recruitment plan, including but not limited to, attending community events, distributing fliers and brochures, meeting with income-eligible families and collaborating with community agencies that serve eligible populations. Begins to develop a relationship with families. Participates in the registration process; follows-up on incomplete documentation. Supports transition processes for children and families entering into Early Head Start/Head Start, transitioning between Early Head Start and Head Start and transitioning out of the program to Kindergarten or another child care center.

• FAMILY SERVICE:

Assists families in jointly assessing their own needs and situation so that every family has a Partnership Agreement. Updates files on a regular basis. Locates appropriate resources to address the family?s needs through referrals or direct Head Start and Early Head Start services, i.e., handouts, parenting programs, home visits, phone and video conferences, etc. Assists in crisis situations through referrals or direct Head Start/Early Head Start services, i.e., assists with transportation of a child home due to an emergent situation, connects families with Case Management Specialists, makes timely referrals, etc. In a prudent and positive way, represents the best interests of Head Start families to the community and other community agencies, especially if the family has problems receiving benefits from local resources. Provides family orientation to Head Start/Early Head Start. Uses referrals to assist families in reaching goals by preparing the family for the referral, assisting the family in accessing the resource when necessary and practicable by following up on the referral with family and agency (with the consent of the family). Supports families in becoming advocates for themselves and their children.
Provides Head Start families with information via phone calls, home visits, digital communication tools, parent education programs, notes, etc. regarding community resources, classroom activities, Head Start regulations and/or procedures in all content areas, parent activities including parent meetings.

Follows-up on irregular attendance of any child who has been absent two (2) unexcused, consecutive days. Informs appropriate staff of attendance problems in a timely manner. Provides assistance to the family in overcoming obstacles that lead to attendance problems, including working with the family to develop attendance plans. When a chronic or unresolved attendance problem occurs, the situation is referred to case management. Works collaboratively with health staff to gather health screenings documentation, implement health screenings as needed, ensure appropriate follow up, achieve positive health outcomes for children, and implement health education programming with families.
Assists families in obtaining and maintaining childcare financial assistance when eligible.

Assists families to connect as individuals with established community groups and organizations with which they can maintain contact after their relationship with Head Start terminates. Works with families to set and achieve goals in alignment with the Parent Family Community Engagement Framework.
Attends training programs and other on-going educational programs related to the position. May involve evening and/or overnight trainings.

• 
  FAMILY ENGAGEMENT:

Assists in the implementation and coordination of workshops and trainings for parents based on parents? interests and goals identified through the Family Partnership Agreement. Offers and implements evidence-based parenting curriculum. Encourages parent engagement in the program through appropriate means and in an ongoing manner, especially during home visits. Directs and encourages parents to access appropriate community services based on individual needs of families in the component areas of health, social services, and education. Acts as an advocate for children and families enrolled and as a liaison between families and community agencies. Facilitates parent meetings and coordinates child care for workshops and trainings.
Supports families to be engaged in their child?s health and education outcomes, following up on unmet health needs, assisting families with accessing opportunities to participate in their children?s health and education.

Develops and facilitates parent committees and provides on-going training and role modeling to the leadership of those committees. Actively recruits parents to serve on Head Start Policy Council.
Complies with and supports others in meeting all Mandated Reporter requirements.

• TRANSPORTATION:

When necessary, provides transportation to Head Start activities or appointments contributing to positive health outcomes for the child. When necessary, provides transportation of child to their home due to an emergent situation. Provides self transportation to and from program facilities, home visits and other agency activities.

• PROGRAM SUPPORT:

Participates in strategic planning, program self-assessment, policy decisions and other efforts to improve program service. Understands and implements agreed upon policies concerning the role, function, duties, and responsibilities of the Family Partnership content area. Keeps the Family/Community Partnership Administrator informed about on-going program activities and problems. Makes recommendations for changes in policies and procedures.

Shares relevant information about the child/family. Works with families to facilitate the adjustment of children to the classroom. Works in the classroom when needed. Interprets to the families the meaning of the child?s experiences in the program.
Maintains cooperative relationships with agencies and community partners.

• DOCUMENTATION AND RECORD KEEPING:

Maintains records for each family enrolled as required by federal and state regulations. Keeps record of every contact with parents of each child. Documents monthly meetings with education staff in child?s electronic record.
Assess, document, evaluate, and track family service outcomes. Utilize data to develop meaningful programming.

Document and track referrals, demographic information and other data as required for Program Information Reporting.

• HEALTH:

In collaboration with Health Administrator, directs and encourages families to complete necessary health screenings, follow-ups and any other medical needs that are required through Head Start regulations in a timely manner. Maintains regular contact with health staff to discuss and help problem solve around family health issues. Organizes and implements parent/child nutrition and health programs within the centers and in homes.

• In addition, performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor?s degree in field related to social, human, or family services required. One year of continuous experience in a human service agency preferred.

Benefits

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

About Us

United Children's Services of Bennington County/ Bennington County Head Start- Early Head Start operates 5STAR sites in North Bennington, Bennington, and Pownal VT, and serving children ages 6 weeks- 5 years and their families with comprehensive early childhood education. Our programs make up the Early Childhood Services Division of our grantee agency, United Counseling Services.

We are proud to announce that UCS has been selected as the Best Place to Work and the Best Community Service Organization for the 2020 Readers Choice award!

An established leader and provider of health and human services in Southern Vermont, United Counseling Service provides nearly 3,000 people each year with a broad range of mental health, developmental and children's services along with early childhood education. Approximately 300 employees are making a positive difference at 16 facilities operating throughout Bennington County.

Our employees are creative, thoughtful, energetic, forward thinking and empowered. UCS is living its mission: Building a stronger community by empowering individuals to live healthy and meaningful lives. If you want to make a difference and help those who need it most, consider joining our team. UCS is a great place to work and a great place to get care.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.